Safety Practices For Exercising In The Dark

Female jogger running on rainy night in the city, high iso.

By Amy Ramsey

Whether you’re taking the dog out for a walk or just getting out for a run yourself, it can be hard this time of year to get outside when it’s light out. If you don’t have time during daylight hours to get out or you prefer to exercise early, make sure you follow these safety practices when exercising in the dark:

Plan your route and tell someone where you are going and when you should be back. Avoid poorly lit and overgrown streets and trails.

When planning your route make sure to note where there are open businesses that you can stop at in case of emergency.

Don’t be predictable. Make sure you change up your route.

Bust out the neon. Wear bright and reflective clothing so drivers can see you.

Leave the tunes at home. Be aware of your surroundings don’t wear earbuds or headphones.

Bring a cellphone and identification. Or at a minimum, have ID and emergency medical information on a tag or on a card.

Rely on inner sparkle. Don’t wear jewelry or carry money.

Use a headlamp, flashlight or clip-on bike light so drivers can see you.

Take pepper spray and a whistle in case you do encounter someone or something threatening.

Don’t run alone. Taking the dogs out for a run means we’re all getting exercise. If you don’t have a canine friend to accompany you, see if a friend is up for being an exercise buddy.

If you must, make friends with a treadmill for a couple of months. I know, it’s not the same as getting outside, but if it keeps your exercise routine on track, it’s helping your physical and mental health. I struggle with this, as it can seem boring sometimes, but if I don’t have a run buddy on a particular day, a gym treadmill is the next best thing.

Lovin’ Life After 50 is the No. 1 ranked free circulation publication in Arizona! We target the 50-plus demographic with stories and features focused on items of interest to this age group, plus extensive coverage of upcoming activities and events. Lovin’ Life After 50 has served the Phoenix metro area since 1979 and the Tucson area since 1984.